For Parents Only
Welcome to the RUF Rhodes website!
We hope you find answers to any questions you may have here. Through the years, some questions get asked more than others. Quick answers to some of these questions are below. We hope these help; if you have more questions don't hesitate to call our campus minister, Rev. Andrew Flatgard, at 901.270.1616 (mobile). If you would like to get a paper newsletter from us, please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is RUF?
RUF
is the official campus ministry of the Presbyterian Church in America.
For more than 30 years RUF campus ministers have been reaching students
for Christ and equipping students to serve. Though receiving oversight
from the PCA, RUF chapters are non-denominational in terms of their
fellowship. Students from all denominations are welcome.
2. What does "Reformed" mean?
In
the simplest terms, the word "Reformed" simply refers to the theology
and confessions that arose out of the "Reformation." Therefore, RUF's
theology is in full agreement with orthodox Protestantism.
3. Is RUF a Bible study only for Christians?
Absolutely not. RUF is open to all who are looking to consider the truth claims of Jesus Christ.
4. What does RUF do?
RUF's ministry is composed of at least five different kinds of activities.
1. RUF Large Group is our "shop front" activity and usually the easiest way for students to "plug into" the ministry. The evening consists of a time of singing and worship ending with a message from Scripture, all in a non-threatening atmosphere. This is usually the place where your student can find out what all is going on within the ministry of RUF.
2. In any given semester, students participate in small group Bible studies over all kinds of topics. These small group studies are very informal in design and give students the chance to look deeper into a topic as well as make a few friends in the process.
3. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that one to one meetings with students is a vital part of our ministry. This time is usually spent getting to know each other personally, investing in on going discipleship, dealing with personal issues with which the student struggles, and addressing any crisis counseling that might arise during the students time at school.
4. RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed at Rhodes. Living out a true sense of community is built into every activity that we do. Therefore, RUF is committed to serving in our community. As we gather this fall we will work together to find ways to serve the Rhodes and Memphis communities.
5. Finally, at least a few times during the year, RUF is committed to getting out of town and gathering with other Christians for student conferences. Fall Conference in the Fall, Winter Conference in February, and Summer Conference in May are all great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry. These trips often will include mission trips.
1. RUF Large Group is our "shop front" activity and usually the easiest way for students to "plug into" the ministry. The evening consists of a time of singing and worship ending with a message from Scripture, all in a non-threatening atmosphere. This is usually the place where your student can find out what all is going on within the ministry of RUF.
2. In any given semester, students participate in small group Bible studies over all kinds of topics. These small group studies are very informal in design and give students the chance to look deeper into a topic as well as make a few friends in the process.
3. RUF's commitment to reaching and equipping students means that one to one meetings with students is a vital part of our ministry. This time is usually spent getting to know each other personally, investing in on going discipleship, dealing with personal issues with which the student struggles, and addressing any crisis counseling that might arise during the students time at school.
4. RUF desires to see a true body of Christians formed at Rhodes. Living out a true sense of community is built into every activity that we do. Therefore, RUF is committed to serving in our community. As we gather this fall we will work together to find ways to serve the Rhodes and Memphis communities.
5. Finally, at least a few times during the year, RUF is committed to getting out of town and gathering with other Christians for student conferences. Fall Conference in the Fall, Winter Conference in February, and Summer Conference in May are all great opportunities to get involved with RUF's ministry. These trips often will include mission trips.
5. Can you contact my student?
RUF
is a ministry of the Church. We are more than happy to contact your
student and give them a personal invitation to RUF. One small request
that we make of you in this area is that you not ask us to contact your
student if you are not willing for us to tell them that YOU asked us to
call them. We have found over the years that the anonymous "cold call" is counter productive.
6. But what if my student doesn't like RUF?
RUF
is not so self-centered that we assume that this ministry is for
everyone. Therefore, we are happy to suggest that your
student contact any of the other evangelical ministries on campus to
see if perhaps they can be a help to your student in a way that we cannot.
7. I would like to give financially to the ministry of RUF. How do I do that?
RUF
functions totally upon the gifts and contributions of friends of the
ministry. Contributions to RUF are, of course, tax deductible and
receipted with every donation. Just make out your donation check to
"RUF" and put "RUF Rhodes" in the memo
line. You can mail your donation to the following address:
Upon receipt, you will be mailed a receipt for your records as well as a self-addressed, postage paid envelope for any future contributions.

